Villus Length Research Articles

Association of sodium butyrate and phytase on the performance, bone quality and intestinal development in broilers

This study assessed the effect of the combination of microencapsulated sodium butyrate (SB) and phytase (PH) on the performance, intestinal integrity, and bone development of broilers. The experiment comprised 736 chicks distributed in a completely randomised design in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme (with and without the inclusion of SB and with the inclusion of PH at the recommended dose and superdosing) totalling four treatments and eight repetitions of 23 birds each. SB was added at 0.750 kg/tonne and PH was included at 750 phytase units (FTU)/kg and 1 500 FTU/kg of diet. The live weight (LW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion (FC) were evaluated weekly. Bone measurements of the tibia and femur, densitometry, length, the Seedor index, and diameter were performed at seven and 28 days. In the same ages, fragments of the jejunum and ileum segments were collected and subjected to a morphometry analysis. At seven days of age, the birds supplemented with the phytase superdosing showed a better FI and LW, and the microencapsulated SB in the diet showed a better LW and FC. In the period from one to 28 days, the treatment supplemented with SB provided a higher FI and LW. The SB supplementation resulted in greater bone measurements at seven and 28 days. The use of the superdosing phytase increased the villus length and width of the jejunum at seven days and at 28 days. There was an increase in the villus length, villus-to-crypt ratio, absorption area, and muscular layer of the jejunum and a decrease in the crypt width of the jejunum. The SB supplementation increased the ileum crypt width at seven days and there was no effect on any intestinal segment at 28 days. The supplementation of SB or PH 1 500 FTU/kg in the broiler diets’ growth promoter or antibiotic-free resulted in a better performance and bone measurements, while the association of the additional PH 1 500 FTU/kg and SB supplementation resulted in the greater depth and width of the jejunum crypt and villus : ileum crypt at seven days and greater villus length and ileum absorption area at 28 days. The association of SB and PH may be a strategy to improve the performance and bone quality and intestinal integrity in broilers.

Efficacy of Needle-Less Intradermal Vaccination against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus.

To prevent diarrhea in suckling piglets infected by porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) vaccines are administered mainly through intramuscular (IM) or oral routes. We found that growing pigs vaccinated with an inactivated PEDV vaccine via the intradermal (ID) route had higher neutralizing antibody titers and cytokine (IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10) levels than non-vaccinated pigs. In addition, suckling piglets acquired lactogenic immunity from pregnant sows inoculated with an ID PED vaccine. We evaluated the efficacy of vaccination via this route, along with subsequent protection against virulent PEDV. At six days post-challenge, the survival rate of suckling piglets exposed to virulent PEDV was 70% for the ID group and 0% for the mock group (no vaccine). At necropsy, villi length in the duodenum and ileum of piglets with lactogenic immunity provided by ID-vaccinated sows proved to be significant (p < 0.05) when compared with those in piglets from mock group sows. Thus, vaccination using an inactivated PED vaccine via the ID route provides partial protection against infection by virulent PEDV.

Dietary nano-dicalcium phosphate improves immune response and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

Various levels of substitution of nano-dicalcium phosphate (nCaHPO4) for the calcium and phosphorus supplied by limestone and monocalcium phosphate were evaluated, based on weight change, serum constituents, immune response and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. The birds were assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0% (control), 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% substitution levels of nCaHPO4 from days 0 to 42. Data were collected for blood measurement and intestinal morphology and analysed with one-way analysis of variance. Feeds substituted with 40% nCaHPO4 showed a higher mean value of final weight and better feed conversion. The results revealed similar haematological parameters across the treatment groups. At the same time, nCaHPO4 influenced most of the serum biochemical constituents, such as calcium, phosphorus, glucose, albumin, and total protein. High concentrations of total protein were observed for birds fed 60% nCaHPO4 compared with other treatments. The highest comparable means for albumin were observed in birds fed 40% and 60% nCaHPO4. Cholesterol levels were increased when birds were fed 0% and 40% of diets. Elevated serum phosphorus concentration was observed when 0%, 40%, 60% and 100% substitution levels were fed, whereas 80% presented the least mean value. The results also showed that birds fed 40% nano-dicalcium phosphate had the highest villi length, which signified improved absorption of minerals. In conclusion, 40% and 60% levels of nCaHPO4 could be used to boost immune response and functional intestinal morphology of broiler chicken with no negative effect on haematological parameters.

Dietary fructose improves intestinal cell survival and nutrient absorption.

Fructose consumption is linked to the rising incidence of obesity and cancer, which are two of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally1,2. Dietary fructose metabolism begins at the epithelium of the small intestine, where fructose is transported by glucose transporter type5 (GLUT5; encoded by SLC2A5) and phosphorylated by ketohexokinase to form fructose 1-phosphate, which accumulates to high levels in the cell3,4. Although this pathway has been implicated in obesity and tumour promotion, the exact mechanism that drives these pathologies in the intestine remains unclear. Here we show that dietary fructose improves the survival of intestinal cells and increases intestinal villus length in several mouse models. The increase in villus length expands the surface area of the gut and increases nutrient absorption and adiposity in mice that are fed a high-fat diet. In hypoxic intestinal cells, fructose 1-phosphate inhibits the M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase to promote cell survival5-7. Genetic ablation of ketohexokinase or stimulation of pyruvate kinase prevents villus elongation and abolishes the nutrient absorption and tumour growth that are induced by feeding mice with high-fructose corn syrup. The ability of fructose to promote cell survival through an allosteric metabolite thus provides additional insights into the excess adiposity generated by a Western diet, and a compelling explanation for the promotion of tumour growth by high-fructose corn syrup.

Effects of Dietary Silica Nanoparticle on Growth Performance, Protein Digestibility, Hematology, Digestive Morphology, and Muscle Composition of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis Niloticus

The use of nanotechnology in food production systems is being investigated globally, though there is limited research on its effect on fish nutrition. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the effects of silica nanoparticles (NPs) on the nutrition and physiology of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Four isonitrogenous diets (300 g/kg crude protein) with NPs (0, 1, 2, and 3 mg/kg diet) were fed to fish (6.52 ± 0.20 g) in a recirculatory aquaculture system for 56 days. Throughout the study period, the effects of silica NP on survival rate, blood cell count, hemoglobin (Hb) level, condition factor (CF), and final product composition (except lipid content) were insignificant. However, growth performance and feed efficiency increased with an increasing level of silica NP, up to 2 mg/kg, and then decreased. This increase was due to the highest apparent protein digestibility and dry matter digestibility when fish were fed silica NP at 2 mg/kg. However, fish at the early stage showed better performance in all dietary groups than in later. Blood glucose (BG) content and histology of the kidney revealed that fish were stressed when a 3 mg/kg silica NP was used and they adapted through excessive excretion via expanded glomeruli. Though no significant effect on villi length was observed, silica NP increased the surface area widening the villi of the gut along with the number of goblet cells in the intestine significantly, when supplemented at a level of 2 mg/kg. The bioaccumulation of silica shows that incorporating silica NP in the fish feed will not compromise human health safety upon consumption. Although silica NP at 1 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg yielded some improvements to growth and final product quality, a 2 mg/kg silica NP generated the best results in all measured parameters.

The possibility of replacing fish meal with fermented soy pulp on the growth performance, blood biochemistry, liver, and intestinal morphology of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

The development of plant ingredients as an alternative to fish meal (FM) has received sustained interest in the aquaculture sector. The study investigated the replacement of FM with different percentages of dietary fermented soy pulp (FSP) to assess the growth performance, haematology, blood biochemical, liver, and gut morphology of African catfish. Five isonitrogenous (32 % crude protein) diets were prepared with FSP by replacing 0 % FSP (D1), 25 % FSP (D2), 50 % FSP (D3), 75 % FSP (D4) and 100 % FSP (D5) of FM component of the diets. The results showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in growth parameters where the fish fed D3 diet showed the highest weight gain, specific growth rate, and condition factor compared with other diets. The mean values of Red Blood Cell (RBC) and Lymphocytosis (LYM) were significantly highest (p < 0.05) in fish fed the D3 diet. The albumin (ALB), globulin (GLOB), and total protein (TP) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the control diet compared with the experimental diets. In addition, the D3 diet provides the highest total lactic bacteria (LAB) and total bacteria (TB) compared with other diets. FSP as a protein replacement of the FM had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on villus length, width, and crypt depth in fish's anterior and posterior gut. The histological study of the intestinal revealed that the gut of the D3 diet had an intact epithelial barrier with goblet cells arrangement and very well-organized villus structure, tunica muscularis compared with the other treatments. In conclusion, the replacement of 50 % FM with FSP could be used in the aquafeed industry for better growth and health status of African catfish and possibly for freshwater species.

Effects of Vitamin D-Deficient Diet on Intestinal Epithelial Integrity and Zonulin Expression in a C57BL/6 Mouse Model.

Background and Aims: Vitamin D (VD) plays an important role not only in mineral balance and skeletal maintenance but also in immune modulation. VD status was found correlated with the pathophysiology and severity of inflammatory bowel diseases and other autoimmune disorders. Epithelial barrier function is primarily regulated by the tight-junction (TJ) proteins. In this study, we try to establish an animal model by raising mice fed VD-deficient diet and to investigate the effects of VD-deficient diet on gut integrity and zonulin expression.Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were administered either VD-deficient [VDD group, 25(OH)2D3 0 IU/per mouse] or VD-sufficient [VDS group, 25(OH)2D3 37.8 IU/per mouse] special diets for 7 weeks. Body weight and diet intake were recorded weekly. Serum VD levels were detected. After sacrifice, jejunum and colon specimens were collected. The villus length and crypt depth of the jejunum as well as mucosa thickness of the colon were measured. Various serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and intestinal TJ proteins were assessed. The serum level of zonulin and the mRNA expression of jejunum zonulin were also investigated.Results: We found that mice fed a VDD diet had a lower serum level of VD after 7 weeks (p < 0.001). VDD mice gained significant less weight (p = 0.022) and took a similar amount of diet (p = 0.398) when compared to mice raised on a VDS diet. Significantly decreased colon mucosa thickness was found in VDD mice compared with the VDS group (p = 0.022). A marked increase in serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels was demonstrated in VDD mice. All relative levels of claudin (CLD)-1 (p = 0.007), CLD-3 (p < 0.001), CLD-7 (p < 0.001), and zonulin-1 (ZO-1, p = 0.038) protein expressions were significantly decreased in the VDD group when compared to the VDS group. A significant upregulation of mRNA expression of jejunum zonulin (p = 0.043) and elevated serum zonulin (p = 0.001) were found in the VDD group.Conclusions: We successfully demonstrated that VDD could lead to impaired barrier properties. We assume that sufficient VD could maintain intestinal epithelial integrity and prevent mucosal barrier dysfunction. VD supplementation may serve as part of a therapeutic strategy for human autoimmune and infectious diseases with intestinal barrier dysfunction (leaky gut) in the future. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that VDD could lead to a significant upregulation in mRNA expression of the jejunum zonulin level and also a marked elevation of serum zonulin in a mouse model.

Probiotic yeast enhances growth performance of rohu (Labeo rohita) through upgrading hematology, and intestinal microbiota and morphology

Probiotics play an important role as bio-friendly substances in ensuring the sustainability and profitability of aquaculture. In the present study, we examined the effects of probiotic brewer's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth, feed utilization, hemato-biochemical indices, intestinal microbiota and intestinal morphometry of rohu, Labeo rohita. A trial of 90 days was conducted in which rohu fingerlings were fed under four different treatment groups in aquaria, receiving S. cerevisiae at 0, 1, 2 and 4 g/kg diet, respectively. Growth parameters (weight gain and specific growth rate), feed utilization (feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio), hematobiochemical indices (hemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell and glucose), intestinal microbiota (total viable, lactic acid bacteria and yeast count) and intestinal morphology (villi length, villi width, crypt depth, thickness of villi wall etc.) were analyzed at the end of feeding trial. The results demonstrated substantial development in the growth performance, feed utilization and hematobiochemical indices in rohu fed probiotic incorporated diet compared to control diet. There were noticeable variations in intestinal microbiota and intestinal morphology between the treated and control diet fed groups. These results revealed that S. cerevisiae has a potential influence as an essential probiotic to improve the digestion, absorption, assimilation of nutrients through the improvement of gut microbiota and morphometry of L. rohita. Thus, S. cerevisiae can be effectively recommended as an important growth promoter for rohu.

Dietary Thepax Effects on Intestinal Morphometry and Liver Histology in Young Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of diet supplemented with thepax on intestinal morphometry of young Cyprinus carpio. Fish mean weights were 13.40±1.85 gm and their mean total length 11.07±1.27 cm (30 specimens), which were randomly distributed into three treatments (two replications for each treatment). Fish groups were fed three dissimilar diets up to 60 days. The first group was fed with 0.5 gm thepax/kg diet, the second group was fed with 1 gm thepax/kg diet and the third group was served as the control group which fed basal diet without thepax.supplementation. The feed was applied twice daily at 3.0% of the body weight per day for 60 days. The intake of prebiotics (thepax) modified the gastrointestinal tracts. Villus length, villus width, and villus area were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than control in young common carp fed the diet supplemented with thepax (1 gm/kg). No differences in liver histology are observed between the three experimental feed treatments. No histopathological changes like degeneration, necrosis, leukocyte infiltration, haemorrhage and steatosis were noticed. These results indicated that host-derived prebiotics, especially thepax (1 gm/kg) has significant potential as an important prebiotic to enhance the nutrients utilization and metabolism through increasing intestinal surface area in young common carp.

Ammonia stress influences intestinal histomorphology, immune status and microbiota of Chinese striped-neck turtle (Mauremys sinensis)

Ammonia is one of major pollutants in aquatic environment that induces severe stress and toxicity to organisms in aquatic system. The intestine acts a major defense line that protects living organisms from biotic and abiotic stresses. In the current study, we examined the effects of ammonia on intestinal histomorphology, transcriptional levels of intestinal barrier functioning genes and intestinal microbiota of Chinese striped-neck turtle (Mauremys sinensis). Thus, the turtles were placed in water with addition of ammonia at 0 (control), 100, 200 mg L-1 for 30 days. Our findings showed that ammonia reduced the villus length and induced the inflammatory cells appearance. In addition, the epithelial tight junction genes, claudin and zonola occludin significantly downregulated in ammonia exposed groups as compared to control group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the mRNA expression levels of MUC-2 gene also significantly decreased in ammonia treated groups (P < 0.05). However, the expression levels of intestinal immune related genes such as IL-10, IL-12, TGF-β1, TNF-α and IFN-γ significantly increased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, ammonia changed gut microbial diversity variedly. At the phylum levels, Firmicutes increased, whereas Bacteroidota, Desulfobacterota and Synergistota decreased significantly. Likewise, Lachnospiraceae, Bacteroides, Eubacteriaceae, Desulfovibrio, Muribaculaceae, Bilophila, Cloacibacillus, Christensenellaceae, Ruminococcus and Parabacteroides decreased while, Romboutsia and Turicibacter increased in ammonia exposed groups. In conclusion, ammonia at 100 and 200 mg L-1 could alter the intestinal barrier function and change the composition of intestinal microbiota, leading to bad health status in M. sinensis.

Oral Administration of Melatonin or Succinyl Melatonin Niosome Gel Benefits 5-FU-Induced Small Intestinal Mucositis Treatment in Mice.

Mucositis is one of the most adverse effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and had no standard drug for treatment. Melatonin is a neurohormone, and can ameliorate radiotherapy-induced small intestinal mucositis. Melatonin encapsulated in niosomes improved its poor bioavailability. Succinyl melatonin, a melatonin derivative, showed prolonged release compared with melatonin. This study investigated the efficacy of melatonin niosome gel (MNG) and succinyl melatonin niosome gel (SNG) in 5-FU-induced small intestinal mucositis treatment in mice. MNG and SNG with particle sizes of 293 and 270 nm were shown to have mucoadhesive potentials. The effect of a daily oral application of MNG, SNG, or fluocinolone acetonide gel (FAG, positive control) was compared to that of the normal group. The body weight, food consumption, histology, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the small intestine were monitored. The results showed decreased %body weight and food consumption in all 5-FU-injected groups compared with the normal group. The MNG and SNG treatments maintained the food consumption and the normal integrity of the small intestines, as evidenced by villus length and crypt depth, similar to the observations in the normal groups. The FTIR spectra showed no change in lipids of the MNG and SNG groups compared with the normal group. Moreover, SNG could reduce IL-1β content to a level that was not different from the level in the normal groups. Therefore, the oral application of MNG and SNG could protect against 5-FU-induced small intestinal mucositis in mice.

Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate Improves Intestinal Health by Modulating Its Development and Microbiota in Weaned Rabbits.

Intestinal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in humans and agricultural animals, especially newborns and weaned animals. Preventive treatments that help weaned animals maintain homeostasis and balance the hindgut microbial populations are desirable. The present study aimed to explore the impact of bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) on the intestinal health by analyzing the intestinal environment, morphology, expression of peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs), and flora of weaned rabbits. A total of 300 New Zealand weaned rabbits were randomly divided into the following five treatment groups for a 35-day feed trial: control group (basal diet), bacitracin zinc (BZ) group (50 mg/kg BZ), BMDa group (100 mg/kg BMD), BMDb group (50 mg/kg BMD), and BMDc group (rabbits fed a basal diet supplemented with 25 mg/kg BMD). In each treatment group, 28 rabbits were slaughtered for experimental analysis. The results showed that the supplementation of BMD increased the environmental acidity of the cecum of the weaned rabbits and reduced the ammonia-nitrogen concentration, which was beneficial to the survival of useful bacteria in the intestine. The morphology analysis of the duodenum using hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that the villus length, villus/crypt ratio, and intestinal wall thickness increased in the BMD group, thereby improving the structure of the duodenum and the absorption capacity of the small intestine. Moreover, real-time polymerase chain reaction test showed that PGRPs (especially PGLYRP-1 and PGLYRP-2) in the intestinal had an antagonistic effect with BMD in the process of inhibiting pathogenic bacteria, resulting in their decreased expression (P < 0.05). Furthermore, through 16S rRNA sequencing in the cecal content, the abundance of the predominant phyla in the BMDa and BZ groups was found to be the closest. The abundance of the genera Lachnospira, Erysipelotrichaceae (p-75-a5), Paraprevotellaceae (YRC22), Mogibacterium, Peptococcaceae (rc4-4), Anaerovibrio, Succinivibrio, and Sphaerochaeta increased in the BMDa and BZ groups (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Alistipes, Sedimentibacter, and Dorea significantly increased only in the BMDa group (P < 0.05). Conclusively, BMD, as well as microbes, improved the intestinal environment and structure to maintain the intestinal health of weaned rabbits.

Substitution of fish meal with enzyme‐treated soybean in diets for juvenile largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides )

A 63-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of enzyme-treated soybean (ESB) replacing fish meal (FM) on growth performance, muscle composition, biochemical indices, digestive enzymes activities and intestinal morphology of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Largemouth bass with initial weight of (18.14 ± 0.11) g were randomly divided into 5 groups with 3 replicates, each group of 30 fish per replicate. Five diets were formulated by replacing 0, 80, 120, 160 and 200 g kg−1 FM with ESB (ESB0, ESB80, ESB120, ESB160 and ESB200, respectively). Results showed that weight gain rate and specific growth rate significantly improved in ESB160 group (p < .05). Crude protein content in muscle significantly increased with FM replacement amount up to 160 g kg−1, while crude lipid content significantly decreased (p < .05). Activities of lysozyme and catalase reached the highest level in ESB120 group (p < .05). The activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly increased in ESB200 group, while malondialdehyde concentration significantly decreased. With increasing dietary ESB level, activities of protease and lipase in stomach had significant increase in ESB160 group (p < .05). The intestinal wall thickness and villi length in ESB160 group were significantly higher than those in other groups (p < .05). To sum up, the present study suggested that the optimal replacement level of dietary FM by ESB was 160 g kg−1, which means the supplemented levels of FM and ESB in diet were 400 and 260 g kg−1, respectively.

Acceleration of Small Intestine Development and Remodeling of the Microbiome Following Hyaluronan 35 kDa Treatment in Neonatal Mice.

The beneficial effects of human milk suppressing the development of intestinal pathologies such as necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants are widely known. Human milk (HM) is rich in a multitude of bioactive factors that play major roles in promoting postnatal maturation, differentiation, and the development of the microbiome. Previous studies showed that HM is rich in hyaluronan (HA) especially in colostrum and early milk. This study aims to determine the role of HA 35 KDa, a HM HA mimic, on intestinal proliferation, differentiation, and the development of the intestinal microbiome. We show that oral HA 35 KDa supplementation for 7 days in mouse pups leads to increased villus length and crypt depth, and increased goblet and Paneth cells, compared to controls. We also show that HA 35 KDa leads to an increased predominance of Clostridiales Ruminococcaceae, Lactobacillales Lactobacillaceae, and Clostridiales Lachnospiraceae. In seeking the mechanisms involved in the changes, bulk RNA seq was performed on samples from the terminal ileum and identified upregulation in several genes essential for cellular growth, proliferation, and survival. Taken together, this study shows that HA 35 KDa supplemented to mouse pups promotes intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, as well as the development of Paneth cells and goblet cell subsets. HA 35 KDa also impacted the intestinal microbiota; the implications of these responses need to be determined.

Synergistic effects of the soapbark tree, Quillaja saponaria and Vitamin E on water quality, growth performance, blood health, gills and intestine histomorphology of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings

This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of Quillaja saponaria (QS), and Vitamin E (VE) on water quality, fish performance, and health of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Fish (N = 120, 12.75 ± 0.289 g) were randomly distributed in triplicates into four experimental groups. (1) the control group (CG), fish received a basal diet; (2) the Quillaja saponaria group (QS), fish received a basal diet containing 300 mg kg−1 QS extract; (3) Vitamin E group (VE), fish received a basal diet supplemented with 400 mg kg−1 VE; and (4) QS/VE group, fish received a basal diet supplemented with a mixture of 300 mg kg−1 QS extract and 400 mg kg−1 VE. Fish fed experimental diets (30/6, protein/lipids ratio) for 60 days. Results revealed a significant decrease of total ammonia nitrogen and unionized ammonia in fish fed QS/VE, VE, and QS compared to CG. Fish provided QS and/or VE showed a significant improvement in growth and feed utilization indices compared to CG (P < 0.05), with the best results in QS/VE group. QS and/or VE's dietary supplementation did not improve hematological parameters. However, a significant improvement of serum analyses (total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, cholesterol, and triglycerides) was recorded in fish fed QS and/or VE compared to CG with the best values in QS/VE. Digestive enzyme activity (lipase, amylase) and oxidative parameters (SOD, CAT) were significantly increased with QS and/or VE dietary supplementation, and the best findings were recorded in QS/VE. Gill necrotic tissues were alleviated in fish fed QS or/and VE. The intestinal health (villi length, villi surface area, and goblet cells count) showed a significant improvement by dietary QS or/and VE, with the best findings in fish received QS/VE. In conclusion, QS and/or VE's dietary supplementation improves water quality, fish performance, blood health, gills, and intestine health of Nile tilapia.

Effects of black soldier fly pulp on growth performance, histomorphology and lipid metabolism gene expression of Micropterus salmoides

A 62-day feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of dietary black soldier fly pulp (BSFP) on growth performance, liver and intestine histomorphology, and liver lipid metabolism gene expression of Micropterus salmoides. Four isoproteic and isolipidic diets were formulated by adding BSFP (original substance) to the basal diet at the rate of 0% (BSFP0), 1% (BSFP1), 2% (BSFP2) and 4% (BSFP4), corresponding to inclusion of 0, 4.5, 9.0 and 18.0 g/kg DM in diets. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 35 fish per tank. Fish were fed twice daily to apparent satiation. Results indicated that fish fed BSFP2 had higher (p < 0.05) weight gain rate, specific growth rate and liver lipid content than BSFP0. Hepatocytes were observed to fill with lipids among treatments with different degrees of vacuolar degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration in BSFP treated diets. Intestinal villus length was lower (p < 0.05) in BSFP2 and BSFP4 than in other diets, and villus width was lower (p < 0.05) in BSFP4 than BSFP0. Gene expression of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors α and lipoprotein lipase were down-regulated (p < 0.05) with increased dietary BSFP levels. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 was higher (p < 0.05) in fish fed BSFP4 than other diets. It was concluded that dietary inclusion of BSFP increased specific growth rate and lipid deposition, and included inflammation or damage in the liver and intestine of Micropterus salmoides.

High percentage of dietary soybean meal inhibited growth, impaired intestine healthy and induced inflammation by TLR-MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

Soybean meal (SBM) is a high-quality protein source and widely used in aquafeeds. However, high percentage of dietary SBM would make negative influences on fish. Here, we evaluated the effects of dietary high level of SBM on growth, intestine healthy and intestinal inflammation in large yellow croaker. Two isonitrogenous (450 g kg−1) and isolipidic (100 g kg−1) diets were prepared, in which SBM was added at 0 or 45 %. An 8-week feeding trail was conducted by feeding fish (initial weight 18.2 ± 0.8 g) with these two diets. After feeding trail, SBM0 group had significantly enhanced growth performance, antioxidant capacity and digestive enzyme activities compared with SBM45 group (P < 0.05). Dietary SBM45 caused intestine injury symptoms and decreased intestine villus length of fish. In addition, dietary SBM45 induced intestinal inflammation of large yellow croaker, manifested as significant upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and downregulation of anti- inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.05). The increased inflammatory response of SBM45 group may be due to activation of TLR-MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, as the mRNA expression levels of TLRs and protein levels of c-Rel, P65 and ERK were significantly increased in SBM45 group (P < 0.05). All these results indicated that high percentage of dietary soybean meal could inhibit growth, impair intestine healthy and induce intestinal inflammation possibly by TLR-MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in large yellow croaker.

The enhancement of the growth rate, intestinal health, expression of immune-related genes, and resistance against suboptimal water temperature in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) by dietary paraprobiotics

The present study evaluated the enhancement of the growth rate, intestinal health, immune-related genes, and resistance against suboptimal water temperature in common carp (2.01 ± 0.02 g) by dietary paraprobiotics. Fish were fed dietary heat killed Lactobacillus plantarum (LP20) at 0 (control), 50, and 100 mg/kg for 2 months. After the feeding trial fish were exposed to suboptimal water temperature averaged 13.22 ± 0.44 °C for 48 h. The final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio of fish fed LP20 at 100 mg/kg were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05). The villi length and width were increased in fish fed LP20 at 50 and 100 mg/kg when compared to the control (P < 0.05). The crypt depth was increased by increasing LP20 in a dose dependent manner with the highest value in the group of fish fed 100 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The number of goblet cells showed higher number in fish fed LP20 at 50 and 100 mg/kg than the control group (P < 0.05). The expression of catalase (CAT) gene did not show any changes in transcription before the thermal stress however after thermal stress fish fed 50 mg/kg had upregulated CAT followed by those fed 100 mg/kg. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene expressions showed upregulations in fish fed 50 mg/kg before the thermal stress but after the thermal stress fish fed 100 mg/kg had the highest level of mRNA transcriptions for GPx and SOD genes. In the same manner, the expression of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) were significantly upregulated in fish fed LP20 at 50 mg/kg before the thermal stress whereas the expression of these genes was upregulated in fish fed 100 mg/kg. In conclusion, using LP20 at 50−100 mg/kg resulted in enhancing the growth rate, intestinal morphometry, immune and antioxidative related genes. Accordingly, common carp showed high resistance against suboptimal water temperature stress.

The use of live food as a vehicle of soybean meal for nutritional programming of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides

Nutritional Programming (NP) has been studied as a means of improving dietary plant protein (PP) utilization in different fish species. This study investigated the use of enriched live feed as a vehicle for NP in larval fish. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of NP induced during the larval stage via PP-enriched live feed on: (1) growth performance; (2) expression of genes associated with inflammation and any morphological changes in the intestine; and (3) muscle free amino acid composition in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) during its later life stages. Two diets were used in this study, a fish meal (FM)-based diet, and a soybean mean (SBM)-based diet, serving as the PP diet. There were 4 groups in this study. The two control groups, ( +) Control and (−) Control, were not programmed and received the FM-diet and SBM-diet, respectively throughout the whole trial after the live feed stage (27–122 days post hatch (dph). The next group, programmed, was programmed with SBM-enriched Artemia nauplii during the live feed stage (4–26 dph) and challenged with the SBM-diet during the final stage of the study (79–122 dph). The final group, non-programmed, did not receive any programming and, was challenged with the SBM-diet during the final stage of the study. The programmed group experienced a significantly higher (%) weight gain during the PP-Challenge than the non-programmed group. In addition, the live feed programming resulted in significantly longer distal villi, and a higher villi length to width ratio, compared to the non-programmed group. No significant effects on free amino acid composition and gene expression were observed between the programmed and non-programmed group, except for an increased post-prandial concentration of free proline in the programmed group. The results of this study support use of live feed as a vehicle for nutritional programming and improving the growth performance of largemouth bass fed with a SBM-based diet.

Efficacy of phytobiotic and toxin binder feed additives individually or in combination on the growth performance, blood biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, and microbial population in broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxin B1.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of phytobiotic and antifungal feed additives on the growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota activity of broiler chickens under aflatoxicosis challenge. A total of 250 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (mixed sex) were reared on the littered floor with a completely randomized design by five treatments and five replicates for 35 days. Treatments included positive control (without AFB1), negative control-AFB1 (1 ppm), negative control-phytobiotic (Entex, 0.5 kg/t), negative control-Mycofix Plus (0.5 kg/t), and negative control-phytobiotic + Mycofix Plus. Dietary phytogenic and toxin binder improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens (p<0.05). Serum concentration of AST increased in broilers which received AFB1 without additives, while the blood concentration of total protein decreased (p<0.05). In jejuna morphometric indices, it was observed that the broiler chickens fed phytobiotic additive in combination with toxin binder had a greater villus length and crypt depth (p<0.05). Dietary treatments had no significant effect on the cecal microbial population in broiler chickens. In conclusion, the present results indicated that phytobiotic and toxin binder supplement improved growth performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens exposed to AFB1 challenge.